IT expert warns over new hacking threats

By Stanley Mwahanga

Mombasa, Kenya: Local software technology marketers have cautioned over the possible breach of information assets in Kenya as Government institutions and other organisations embrace use of technology.

According to an Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) data security firm in Mombasa, there is an increased risk of individuals leaking sensitive documents belonging to their organisations and clients unknowingly to unscrupulous individuals exposing them to harm.

With the mobile phone and tablet device penetration in the country soaring, LanTech director Farid Salim says there is need to protect the devices to avoid ICT security lapses.

LanTech data services specialises in cloud security.

Salim said in Mombasa Sunday unprotected pocket devices have become prime targets for data extraction by hackers, who use public wireless networks such as public Wifi systems and Bluetooth to extract sensitive information.

Portable offices

“Mobile phones and tablets have become part of our everyday life, where we perform everything from banking to corporate work. They have become our portable offices and their security unlike desktops and PCs has been neglected and ignored,” said Salim.

According to the IT expert, more than 40 per cent of people who have portable communication devices in the country use smart phones and tablets which are susceptible to hacking.

He said any devices that are connected to the Internet, especially wireless connections, are also susceptible to network attacks.

Individuals are advised to manage their portable devices well and avoid downloading applications which are not from trustworthy sources. Others include regularly updating applications you no longer use and encrypting files.